2 No person may be discriminated against, in particular on grounds of origin, race, gender, age, language, social position, way of life, religious, ideological, or political convictions, or because of a physical, mental or psychological disability.

3 Men and women have equal rights. The law shall ensure their equality, both in law and in practice, most particularly in the family, in education, and in the workplace. Men and women have the right to equal pay for work of equal value.

4 The law shall provide for the elimination of inequalities that affect persons with disabilities.

1 Employees, employers and their organisations have the right to join together in order to protect their interests, to form associations and to join or not to join such associations.

2 Disputes must wherever possible be resolved through negotiation or mediation.

3 Strikes and lock outs are permitted if they relate to employment relations and if they do not contravene any requirements to preserve peaceful employment relations or to conduct conciliation proceedings.

4 The law may prohibit certain categories of person from taking strike action.

3 Any person who does not have sufficient means has the right to free legal advice and assistance unless their case appears to have no prospect of success. If it is necessary in order to safeguard their rights, they also have the right to free legal representation in court.

In a legal dispute, every person has the right to have their case determined by a judicial authority. The Confederation and the Cantons may by law preclude the determination by the courts of certain exceptional categories of case.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 12 March 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (Federal Decree of 8 Oct. 1999, Federal Council Decree of 17 May 2000, Federal Decree of 8 March 2005; AS 2002 3148, 2006 1059; BBl 1997 I 1, 1999 8633, 2000 2990, 2001 4202).

1 No person may be deprived of their liberty other than in the circumstances and in the manner provided for by the law.

2 Any person deprived of their liberty has the right to be notified without delay and in a language they can understand of the reasons for their detention and of their rights. They must be given the opportunity to exercise their rights, in particular, the right to have their next-of-kin informed.

3 Any person in pre-trial detention has the right to be brought before a court without delay. The court decides whether the person must remain in detention or be released. Any person in pre-trial detention has the right to have their case decided within a reasonable time.

4 Any person who has been deprived of their liberty by a body other than a court has the right to have recourse to a court at any time. The court shall decide as quickly as possible on the legality of their detention.

1 Every person is presumed innocent until they have been found guilty by a legally enforceable judgment.

2 Every accused person has the right to be notified as quickly and comprehensively as possible of the charge brought against them. They must be given the opportunity to assert their rights to a proper defence.

3 Every convicted person has the right to have their conviction reviewed by a higher court, with the exception of cases in which the Federal Supreme Court sits at first instance.

1 Restrictions on fundamental rights must have a legal basis. Significant restrictions must have their basis in a federal act. The foregoing does not apply in cases of serious and immediate danger where no other course of action is possible.

2 Restrictions on fundamental rights must be justified in the public interest or for the protection of the fundamental rights of others.

1 Any person who is a citizen of a commune and of the Canton to which that commune belongs is a Swiss citizen.

2 No person may be given preferential treatment or suffer prejudice because of their citizenship. The foregoing does not apply to regulations on political rights in citizens' communes and corporations or to participation in the assets thereof, unless cantonal legislation provides otherwise.

1 The Confederation shall regulate the acquisition and deprivation of citizenship by birth, marriage or adoption. It shall also regulate the deprivation of Swiss citizenship on other grounds, together with the reinstatement of citizenship.

2 It shall legislate on the minimum requirements for the naturalisation of foreign nationals by the Cantons and grant naturalisation permits.

1 The Confederation shall regulate the exercise of political rights in federal matters, and the Cantons shall regulate their exercise at cantonal and communal matters.

2 Political rights are exercised in the commune in which a citizen resides, although the Confederation and the Cantons may provide for exceptions.

3 No person may exercise their political rights contemporaneously in more than one Canton.

4 A Canton may provide that a person newly registered as a resident may exercise the right to vote in cantonal and communal matters only after a waiting period of a maximum of three months of permanent settlement.

1 The Confederation shall encourage relations among the Swiss abroad and their relations with Switzerland. It may support organisations that pursue this objective.

2 It shall legislate on the rights and obligations of the Swiss abroad, in particular in relation to the exercise of political rights in the Confederation, the fulfilment of the obligation to perform military or alternative service, welfare support and social security.

1 The Confederation and the Cantons shall, as a complement to personal responsibility and private initiative, endeavour to ensure that:

a.

every person has access to social security;

b.

every person has access to the health care that they require;

c.

families are protected and encouraged as communities of adults and children;

d.

every person who is fit to work can earn their living by working under fair conditions;

e.

any person seeking accommodation for themselves and their family can find suitable accommodation on reasonable terms;

f.

children and young people as well as persons of employable age can obtain an education and undergo basic and advanced training in accordance with their abilities;

g.

children and young people are encouraged to develop into independent and socially responsible people and are supported in their social, cultural and political integration.

2 The Confederation and Cantons shall endeavour to ensure that every person is protected against the economic consequences of old-age, invalidity, illness, accident, unemployment, maternity, being orphaned and being widowed.

3 They shall endeavour to achieve these social objectives within the scope of their constitutional powers and the resources available to them.

4 No direct right to state benefits may be established on the basis of these social objectives.

1 The Cantons shall implement federal law in accordance with the Federal Constitution and federal legislation.

2 The Confederation and the Cantons may together agree that the Cantons should achieve specific goals in the implementation of federal law and may to this end conduct programmes that receive financial support from the Confederation.1

3 The Confederation shall allow the Cantons all possible discretion to organise their own affairs and shall take account of cantonal particularities.2

2 It shall leave the Cantons sufficient tasks of their own and respect their organisational autonomy. It shall leave the Cantons with sufficient sources of finance and contribute towards ensuring that they have the financial resources required to fulfil their tasks.1

1 At the request of interested Cantons, the Confederation may declare intercantonal agreements to be generally binding or require Cantons to participate in intercantonal agreements in the following fields:

2 The Confederation shall ensure that the independence of Switzerland and its welfare is safeguarded; it shall in particular assist in the alleviation of need and poverty in the world and promote respect for human rights and democracy, the peaceful co-existence of peoples as well as the conservation of natural resources.

3 It shall respect the powers of the Cantons and protect their interests.

1 Switzerland shall have armed forces. In principle, the armed forces shall be organised as a militia.

2 The armed forces serve to prevent war and to maintain peace; they defend the country and its population. They shall support the civilian authorities in safeguarding the country against serious threats to internal security and in dealing with exceptional situations. Further duties may be provided for by law.

3 The deployment of the armed forces is the responsibility of the Confederation.1

3 Any Swiss man who does not do military or alternative service is liable to pay a tax. This tax is levied by the Confederation and assessed and collected by the Cantons.

4 The Confederation shall legislate for fair compensation for loss of income.

5 Persons who suffer damage to their health or lose their lives while doing military or alternative civilian service are entitled to appropriate support from the Confederation, whether for themselves or for their next of kin.

1 The legislation on the civil defence of persons and property against the effects of armed conflicts is the responsibility of the Confederation.

2 The Confederation shall legislate on the deployment of civil defence units in the event of disasters and emergencies.

3 It may declare civil defence service to be compulsory for men. For women, such service is voluntary.

4 The Confederation shall legislate on fair compensation for loss of income.

5 Persons who suffer damage to their health or lose their lives while doing civil defence service are entitled to appropriate support from the Confederation, whether for themselves or for their next of kin.

2 They shall ensure the provision of an adequate basic education that is available to all children. Basic education is mandatory and is managed or supervised by the state. At state schools it is free of charge.2

3 The Cantons shall ensure that adequate special needs education is provided to all children and young people with disabilities up to the age of 20.3

4 Where harmonisation of school education is not achieved by means of coordination in the areas of school entry age and compulsory school attendance, the duration and objectives of levels of education, and the transition for one level to another, as well as the recognition of qualifications, the Confederation shall issue regulations to achieve such harmonisation.4

1 The Confederation shall manage the Federal Institutes of Technology. It may establish, take over or manage additional universities and other higher education institutions.

2 It shall support the cantonal universities and may make financial contributions to other higher education institutions that it recognises.

3 The Confederation and the Cantons are jointly responsible for the coordination and guarantee of quality in Swiss higher education. In fulfilling this responsibility, they shall take account of the autonomy of the universities and the various bodies responsible for them and ensure the equal treatment of institutions with the same functions.

4 In order to fulfil their duties, the Confederation and the Cantons shall enter into agreements and delegate certain powers to joint administrative authorities. The law shall regulate the powers that may be delegated, and determine the principles governing the organisation of and procedures for coordination.

5 If the Confederation and the Cantons fail to reach their common goals by means of coordination, the Confederation shall issue regulations on levels of studies and the transition from one level to another, on postgraduate education and on the recognition of institutions and qualifications. In addition, the Confederation may impose standard funding principles for subsidising of universities, and may make subsidies contingent on universities sharing particularly cost-intensive activities.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 21 May 2006 (Federal Decree of 16 Dec. 2005, Federal Council Decree of 27 July 2006; AS 2006 3033; BBl 2005 5479 5547 7273, 2006 6725).

1 The Confederation may contribute to cantonal expenditure on grants provided to students at universities and higher education institutions. It may encourage the intercantonal harmonisation of education grants and lay down principles for the payment of education grants.2

2 It may also supplement cantonal measures while preserving cantonal autonomy in education matters by taking its own measures to promote education.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 21 May 2006 (Federal Decree of 16 Dec. 2005, Federal Council Decree of 27 July 2006; AS 2006 3033; BBl 2005 5479 5547 7273, 2006 6725).2 Adopted by the popular vote on 21 May 2006 (Federal Decree of 16 Dec. 2005, Federal Council Decree of 27 July 2006; AS 2006 3033; BBl 2005 5479 5547 7273, 2006 6725).

1 The Confederation and Cantons shall encourage musical education, in particular that of children and young people.

2 They shall endeavour within the scope of their powers to ensure high-quality music teaching in schools. If the Cantons are unable to harmonise the goals of music teaching in schools by means of coordination, the Confederation shall issue the required regulations.

3 In consultation with the Cantons, the Confederation shall set out principles to help young people to engage in musical activities and to encourage musically gifted persons.

1 The official languages of the Confederation are German, French and Italian. Romansh is also an official language of the Confederation when communicating with persons who speak Romansh.

2 The Cantons shall decide on their official languages. In order to preserve harmony between linguistic communities, the Cantons shall respect the traditional territorial distribution of languages and take account of indigenous linguistic minorities.

3 The Confederation and the Cantons shall encourage understanding and exchange between the linguistic communities.

4 The Confederation shall support the plurilingual Cantons in the fulfilment of their special duties.

5 The Confederation shall support measures by the Cantons of Graubünden and Ticino to preserve and promote the Romansh and the Italian languages.

1 The Confederation shall lay down principles on spatial planning. These principles are binding on the Cantons and serve to ensure the appropriate and economic use of the land and its properly ordered settlement.

2 The Confederation shall encourage and coordinate the efforts of the Cantons and shall cooperate with them.

3 Confederation and Cantons shall take account of the requirements of spatial planning in fulfilling their duties.

1 No more than 20 per cent of the total stock of residential units and the gross residential floor area in any commune may be used as second homes.

2 The law shall require communes to publish their first home percentage plan and a detailed report on its implementation every year.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 11 March 2012, in force since 11 March 2012 (Federal Decree of 17 June 2011, Federal Council Decree of 20 June 2012; AS 2012 3627; BBl 2008 1113 8757, 2011 4825, 2012 6623).2* With transitional provision.

1 The Confederation shall within the scope of its powers ensure the economic use and the protection of water resources and provide protection against the harmful effects of water.

2 It shall lay down principles on the conservation and exploitation of water resources, the use of water for the production of energy and for cooling purposes, as well as on other measures affecting the water-cycle.

3 It shall legislate on water protection, on ensuring appropriate residual flow, on hydraulic engineering and the safety of dams, and on measures that influence precipitation.

4 The Cantons shall manage their water resources. They may levy charges for the use of water, subject to the limits imposed by federal legislation. The Confederation has the right to use water for its transport operations subject to payment of a charge and compensation.

5 The Confederation, in consultation with the Cantons concerned, shall decide on rights to international water resources and the charges for them. If Cantons are unable to agree on rights to intercantonal water resources, the Confederation shall decide.

6 The Confederation shall take account of the concerns of the Cantons where the water originates in fulfilling its duties.

1 The protection of natural and cultural heritage is the responsibility of the Cantons.

2 In the fulfilment of its duties, the Confederation shall take account of concerns for the protection of natural and cultural heritage. It shall protect the countryside and places of architectural, historical, natural or cultural interest; it shall preserve such places intact if required to do so in the public interest.

3 It may support efforts made for the protection of natural and cultural heritage and acquire or preserve properties of national importance by contract or through compulsory purchase.

4 It shall legislate on the protection of animal and plant life and on the preservation of their natural habitats and their diversity. It shall protect endangered species from extinction.

5 Moors and wetlands of special beauty and national importance shall be preserved. No buildings may be built on them and no changes may be made to the land, except for the construction of facilities that serve the protection of the moors or wetlands or their continued use for agricultural purposes.

1 The Confederation and the Cantons shall ensure that an adequate range of public transport services is provided on rail, roads, water and by cableway in all regions of the country. In doing so, appropriate account must be taken of the interests of rail freight transport.

2 The costs of public transport shall be covered to an appropriate extent by the prices paid by users.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 9 Feb. 2014, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (Federal Decree of 20 June 2013, Federal Council Decree of 13 May 2014, Federal Council Decree of 2 June 2014, Federal Council Decree of 6 June 2014; AS 2015 645; BBl 2010 6637, 2012 1577, 2013 4725 6518, 2014 4113 4117).

1 The Confederation and the cantons shall ensure that there is adequate road infrastructure in all regions of the country.

2 The Confederation shall ensure the construction of a network of national highways and guarantee that they remain useable. It shall construct, operate and maintain the national highways. It shall bear the costs thereof. It may assign this task wholly or partly to public or private bodies or combined public-private bodies.

1 The Confederation shall protect the Alpine region from the negative effects of transit traffic. It shall limit the nuisance caused by transit traffic to a level that is not harmful to people, animals and plants or their habitats.

2 Transalpine goods traffic shall be transported from border to border by rail. The Federal Council shall take the measures required. Exceptions are permitted only when there is no alternative. They must be specified in detail in a federal act.

3 The capacity of the transit routes in the Alpine region may not be increased. This does not apply to by-pass roads that reduce the level of transit traffic in towns and villages.

1 The Confederation may levy a capacity or mileage-related charge on heavy vehicle traffic where such traffic creates public costs that are not covered by other charges or taxes.

2 The net revenue from the charge shall be used to cover the costs incurred in connection with overland transport.2

3 The Cantons are entitled to a share of the net revenue. In the assessment of the shares allocated, the particular consequences that levying the charge have for mountainous and remote regions shall be taken into account.

1* With transitional provision2 Adopted by the popular vote on 9 Feb. 2014, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (Federal Decree of 20 June 2013, Federal Council Decree of 13 May 2014, Federal Council Decree of 2 June 2014, Federal Council Decree of 6 June 2014; AS 2015 645; BBl 2010 6637, 2012 1577, 2013 4725 6518, 2014 4113 4117).

the net proceeds of the national highways charge in accordance with Article 85a;

b.

the net proceeds of the special consumption tax in accordance with Article 131 paragraph 1 letter d;

c.

the net proceeds of the surcharge in accordance with Article 131 paragraph 2 letter a;

d.

the net proceeds of the charge in accordance with Article 131 paragraph 2 letter b;

e.

a percentage of the net proceeds from the consumption tax on all motor fuels, with the exception of aviation fuels, in accordance with Article 131 paragraph 1 letter e; this shall amount to 9 per cent each of the net proceeds under letter c and 9 per cent of one half of the net proceeds of the consumption tax on all motor fuels, with the exception of aviation fuels, but no more than 310 million francs per year; the indexation of this amount shall be regulated by law;

f.

in general, 10 per cent of the net proceeds of consumption tax on all motor fuels, with the exception of aviation fuels, in accordance with Article 131 paragraph 1 letter e;

4 The special finance programme shall be allocated one half of the net proceeds of the consumption tax on all motor fuels, with the exception of aviation fuels, in accordance with Article 131 paragraph 1 letter e, under deduction of the monies under paragraph 2 letter e.

5 Where the special finance programme has a proven need and in order to form appropriate reserves in the special finance programme, proceeds from the consumption tax in accordance with Article 131 paragraph 1 letter d shall be allocated to the special finance programme instead of the fund.

One half of the net proceeds of the consumption tax on aviation fuels and the surcharge on the consumption tax on aviation fuels shall be used for the following tasks and costs in connection with air traffic:

a.

contributions towards environmental protection measures made necessary by air traffic;

b.

contributions towards security measures to protect against unlawful acts against air traffic, and in particular against terrorist attacks and the hijacking of aircraft, insofar as such measures are not the responsibility of national authorities;

c.

contributions towards measures to ensure a high technical level of safety in air traffic.

1 Within the scope of their powers, the Confederation and Cantons shall endeavour to ensure a sufficient, diverse, safe, economic and environmentally sustainable energy supply as well as the economic and efficient use of energy.

2 The Confederation shall establish principles on the use of local and renewable energy sources and on the economic and efficient use of energy.

3 The Confederation shall legislate on the use of energy by installations, vehicles and appliances. It shall encourage the development of energy technologies, in particular in the fields of saving energy and the renewable energy sources.

4 The Cantons shall be primarily responsible for measures relating to the use of energy in buildings.

5 The Confederation shall take account in its energy policy of the efforts made by the Cantons, the communes and the business community; it shall take account of the conditions in the individual regions of the country and the limitations of what is economically feasible.

1 The Confederation is responsible for postal and telecommunications services.

2 The Confederation shall ensure the adequate, universal and reasonably priced provision of postal and telecommunications services in all regions of the country. The rates shall be fixed according to standard principles.

1 The Confederation is responsible for legislation on radio and television as well as on other forms of public broadcasting of features and information.

2 Radio and television shall contribute to education and cultural development, to the free shaping of opinion and to entertainment. They shall take account of the particularities of the country and the needs of the Cantons. They shall present events accurately and allow a diversity of opinions to be expressed appropriately.

3 The independence of radio and television as well as their autonomy in deciding on programming is guaranteed.

4 Account must be taken of the role and duties of other media, in particular the press.

5 Complaints about programmes may be submitted to an independent complaints authority.

1 The Confederation and the Cantons shall abide by the principle of economic freedom.

2 They shall safeguard the interests of the Swiss economy as a whole and, together with the private sector, shall contribute to the welfare and economic security of the population.

3 They shall endeavour within the scope of their powers to create favourable general conditions for the private sector.

4 Any divergence from the principle of economic freedom, and in particular measures designed to restrain competition, shall be permitted only if they are provided for in the Federal Constitution or based on cantonal monopoly rights.

1 The Confederation may legislate on professional activities in the private sector.

2 It shall seek to create a unified Swiss economic area. It shall guarantee that persons with an academic qualification or with a federal or cantonal educational qualification or an educational qualification recognised by a Canton are able to practise their profession throughout Switzerland.

3 For the protection of the economy, private property and shareholders, and to guarantee sustainable corporate governance, the law shall regulate Swiss companies limited by shares listed on stock exchanges in Switzerland or abroad in accordance with the following principles:

a.

the general meeting votes on an annual basis on the total amount of all remuneration (money and the value of benefits in kind) given to the board of directors, the executive board and the board of advisors. It elects on an annual basis the president of the board of directors, the individual members of the board of directors and the remuneration committee, and the independent representatives of voting rights. Pension funds vote in the interests of their insured members and disclose how they have voted. Shareholders may vote remotely online; they may not be represented by a governing officer of the company or by a custodian bank;

b.

the governing officers may not be given severance or similar payments, advance payments, bonuses for company purchases and sales, additional contracts as consultants to or employees of other companies in the group. The management of the company may not be delegated to a legal entity;

c.

the articles of association regulate the amount of credits, loans and pensions payable to governing officers, their profit-sharing and equity participation plans and the number of mandates they may accept outside the group, as well as the duration of employment contracts of members of the executive board;

d.

Persons violating the provisions under letters a-c are liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years and to a monetary penalty not exceeding six times their annual remuneration.2

1* With transitional provision2 Adopted by the popular vote on 3 March 2013, in force since 3 March 2013 (Federal Council Decree of 15 Nov. 2012 and 30 April 2013; AS 2013 1303; BBl 2006 8755, 2008 2577, 2009 299, 2012 9219, 2013 3129).

2 It shall legislate on the legal remedies available to consumer organisations. These organisations shall have the same rights under the federal legislation on unfair competition as professional and trade associations.

3 The Cantons shall provide a conciliation procedure or a simple and rapid court procedure for claims of up to a certain sum. The Federal Council determines this sum.

1 The Confederation is responsible for money and currency; the Confederation has the exclusive right to issue coins and banknotes.

2 The Swiss National Bank, as an independent central bank, shall pursue a monetary policy that serves the overall interests of the country; it shall be administered with the cooperation and under the supervision of the Confederation.

3 The Swiss National Bank shall create sufficient currency reserves from its revenues; part of these reserves shall be held in gold.

4 A minimum of two thirds of the net profits made by the Swiss National Bank shall be allocated to the Cantons.

1 The Confederation shall take measures to achieve balanced economic development, and in particular to prevent and combat unemployment and inflation.

2 It shall take account of economic development in individual regions of the country. It shall cooperate with the Cantons and the business community.

3 In the field of money and banking, in foreign economic affairs and in the field of public finance, the Confederation may if necessary depart from the principle of economic freedom.

4 The Confederation, the Cantons and the communes shall take account of the economic situation in their revenue and expenditure policies.

5 To stabilise the economic situation, the Confederation may temporarily levy surcharges or grant rebates on federal taxes and duties. The accumulated funds must be held in reserve; following their release, direct taxes shall be individually refunded, and indirect taxes used to grant rebates or to create jobs.

6 The Confederation may oblige businesses to accumulate reserves for the creation of jobs; it shall for this purpose grant tax concessions and may require the Cantons to do the same. Following the release of the reserves, businesses shall be free to decide how the funds are applied within the scope of the uses permitted by law.

1 The Confederation shall ensure that the country is supplied with essential goods and services in the event of the threat of politico-military strife or war, or of severe shortages that the economy cannot by itself counteract. It shall take precautionary measures to address these matters.

2 In exercising its powers under this Article, it may if necessary depart from the principle of economic freedom.

The Confederation may support regions of the country that are under economic threat and promote specific economic sectors and professions, if reasonable self-help measures are insufficient to ensure their existence. In exercising its powers under this Article, it may if necessary depart from the principle of economic freedom.

1 The Confederation shall ensure that agricultural sector, by means of a sustainable and market oriented production policy, makes an essential contribution towards:

a.

the reliable provision of the population with foodstuffs;

b.

the conservation of natural resources and the upkeep of the countryside;

c.

decentralised population settlement of the country.

2 In addition to the self-help measures that can reasonably be expected in the agriculture sector and if necessary in derogation from the principle of economic freedom, the Confederation shall support farms that cultivate the land.

3 The Confederation shall organise measures in such a manner that the agricultural sector fulfils its multi-functional duties. It has in particular the following powers and duties:

a.

supplementing revenues from agriculture by means of direct subsidies in order to achieve of fair and adequate remuneration for the services provided, subject to proof of compliance with ecological requirements;

b.

encouraging by means of economically advantageous incentives methods of production that are specifically near-natural and respectful of both the environment and livestock;

c.

legislating on declarations of origin, quality, production methods and processing procedures for foodstuffs;

d.

protecting the environment against the detrimental effects of the excessive use of fertilisers, chemicals and other auxiliary agents;

e.

at its discretion, encouraging agricultural research, counselling and education and subsidise investments;

f.

at its discretion, legislating on the consolidation of agricultural property holdings.

4 For these purposes, the Confederation shall provide both funds earmarked for the agricultural sector and general federal funds.

The legislation on the manufacture, import, rectification and sale of alcohol obtained by distillation is the responsibility of the Confederation. The Confederation shall in particular take account of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

1 The Confederation shall legislate on gambling; in doing so it shall take account of cantonal interests.

2 A licence from the Confederation is required in order to establish and operate a casino. In granting such a licence, the Confederation shall take account of regional circumstances. It shall levy a revenue-related tax on casinos; this tax must not exceed 80 per cent of the gross revenues from gambling. It shall be used to fund the Old-age, Survivors' and Invalidity Insurance.

3 The cantons are responsible for granting licences for and supervising the following:

a.

gambling activities that are available to an unlimited number of people, are offered at more than one location and which are based on the same random draw or a similar procedure; the foregoing does not apply to the jackpot systems in casinos;

5 The Confederation and the cantons shall take account of the dangers of gambling. They shall ensure that appropriate protection is provided through legislation and supervisory measures and in doing so shall take account of the different characteristics of the games and the form and location of the gambling opportunity offered.

6 The cantons shall ensure that the net revenues from gambling in accordance with paragraph 3 letters a and b are used in their entirety for charitable purposes, in particular in the fields of culture, social projects and sport.

7 The Confederation and the cantons shall coordinate their efforts to fulfil their tasks. To this end the law shall establish a joint body, one half of whose members shall be from the federal implementing bodies and the other half from the cantonal implementing bodies.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 11 March 2012, in force since 11 March 2012 (Federal Decree of 29 Sept. 2011, Federal Council Decree of 20 June 2012; AS 2012 3629; BBl 2009 7019, 2010 7961, 2012 6623).

1 The Confederation shall encourage the construction of housing, the acquisition of the ownership of apartments and houses for the personal use of private individuals, as well as the activities of developers and organisations involved in the construction of public utility housing.

2 It shall encourage in particular the acquisition and development of land for the construction of housing, increased efficiency in construction and the reduction of construction and housing costs.

3 It may legislate on the development of land for housing construction and on increasing the efficiency of construction.

4 In doing so, it shall take particular account of the interests of families, elderly persons, persons on low incomes and persons with disabilities.

1 The Confederation shall legislate against abuses in tenancy matters, and in particular against unfair rents, as well as on the procedure for challenging unlawfully terminated leases and the limited extension of leases.

2 It may legislate to declare framework leases to be generally applicable. Such leases may be declared generally applicable only if they take appropriate account of the justified interests of minorities and regional particularities, and respect the principle of equality before the law.

relations between employer and employee, and in particular on common regulations on operational and professional matters;

c.

recruitment services;

d.

the declaration of collective employment agreements to be generally applicable.

2 Collective employment agreements may be declared generally applicable only if they take appropriate account of the justified interests of minorities and regional particularities, and they respect the principle of equality before the law and the right to form professional associations.

3 August 1 is the National Day of the Swiss Confederation. In terms of employment law, it is regarded as equivalent to a Sunday, with equivalent rights to pay.

1 The Confederation shall take measures to ensure adequate financial provision for the elderly, surviving spouses and children, and persons with disabilities. These shall be based on three pillars, namely the Federal Old-age, Survivors' and Invalidity Insurance, the occupational pension scheme and private pension schemes.

2 The Confederation shall ensure that the Federal Old-age, Survivors' and Invalidity Insurance and the occupational pension scheme are able to fulfil their purpose at all times.

3 It may require the Cantons to exempt institutions of the Federal Old-age, Survivors' and Invalidity Insurance and the occupational pension scheme from liability to pay tax and to grant insured persons and their employers tax relief on contributions and reversionary rights.

4 In cooperation with the Cantons, it shall encourage private pension schemes, in particular through measures relating to taxation policy and the policy of promoting property ownership.

1 The Confederation shall encourage the rehabilitation of people eligible for invalidity benefits by providing cash and non-cash benefits. For this purpose, it may use resources from the Invalidity Insurance.

2 The Cantons shall encourage the rehabilitation of people eligible for invalidity benefits, in particular through contributions to the construction and running of institutions that provide accommodation and work.

3 The law determines the goals of rehabilitation and the principles and criteria.

1 The Cantons shall provide for assistance and care in the home for elderly people and people with disabilities.

2 The Confederation shall support national efforts for the benefit of elderly people and people with disabilities. For this purpose, it may use resources from the Old-age, Survivors and Invalidity Insurance.

1 In the fulfilment of its duties, the Confederation shall take account of the needs of families. It may support measures for the protection of families.

2 It may issue regulations on child allowances and operate a federal family allowances compensation fund.

3 It shall establish a maternity insurance scheme. It may also require persons who cannot benefit from that insurance to make contributions.

4 The Confederation may declare participation in a family allowances compensation fund and the maternity insurance scheme to be compulsory, either in general terms or for individual sections of the population, and make its subsidies dependent on appropriate subsidies being made by the Cantons.

1 The Confederation and the Cantons shall within the scope of their powers ensure the adequate provision of high quality primary medical care that is accessible to all. They shall recognise and promote family medicine as an essential component of primary care.

1 The Confederation shall legislate on research on human beings where this is required in order to protect their dignity and privacy. In doing so, it shall preserve the freedom to conduct research and shall take account of the importance of research to health and society.

2 The Confederation shall adhere to the following principles in relation to biological and medical research involving human beings:

a.

It is a requirement for any research project that the participants or their legal representatives have given their informed consent. The law may provide for exceptions. A refusal is binding in every case.

b.

The risks and stress for the participants must not be disproportionate to the benefits of the research project.

c.

A research project involving persons lacking the capacity to consent may be conducted only if findings of equal value cannot be obtained from research involving persons who have the capacity to consent. If the research project is not expected to bring any immediate benefit to the persons lacking the capacity to consent, the risks and stress must be minimal.

d.

An independent assessment of the research project must have determined that the safety of the participants is guaranteed.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 7 March 2010, in force since 7 March 2010 (Federal Decree of 25 Sept. 2009, Federal Council Decree of 15 April 2010; AS 2010 1569; BBl 2007 6713, 2009 6649, 2010 2625).

1 Human beings shall be protected against the misuse of reproductive medicine and gene technology.

2 The Confederation shall legislate on the use of human reproductive and genetic material. In doing so, it shall ensure the protection of human dignity, privacy and the family and shall adhere in particular to the following principles:

a.

All forms of cloning and interference with the genetic material of human reproductive cells and embryos are unlawful.

b.

Non-human reproductive and genetic material may neither be introduced into nor combined with human reproductive material.

The procedures for medically-assisted reproduction may be used only if infertility or the risk of transmitting a serious illness cannot otherwise be overcome, but not in order to conceive a child with specific characteristics or to further research; the fertilisation of human egg cells outside a woman's body is permitted only under the conditions laid down by the law; no more human egg cells may be developed into embryos outside a woman's body than are required for medically-assisted reproduction.

d.

The donation of embryos and all forms of surrogate motherhood are unlawful.

e.

The trade in human reproductive material and in products obtained from embryos is prohibited.

f.

The genetic material of a person may be analysed, registered or made public only with the consent of the person concerned or if the law so provides.

g.

Every person shall have access to data relating to their ancestry.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 14 June 2015, in force since 14 June 2015 (Federal Decree of 12 Dec. 2014, Federal Council Decree of 21 Aug. 2015; AS 2015 2887; BBl 2013 5853, 2014 9675, 2015 6313).

1 Human beings and their environment shall be protected against the misuse of gene technology.

2 The Confederation shall legislate on the use of reproductive and genetic material from animals, plants and other organisms. In doing so, it shall take account of the dignity of living beings as well as the safety of human beings, animals and the environment, and shall protect the genetic diversity of animal and plant species.

1 The Confederation is responsible for legislation on entry to and exit from Switzerland, the residence and the permanent settlement of foreign nationals and on the granting of asylum.

2 Foreign nationals may be expelled from Switzerland if they pose a risk to the security of the country.

3 Irrespective of their status under the law on foreign nationals, foreign nationals shall lose their right of residence and all other legal rights to remain in Switzerland if they:

a.

are convicted with legal binding effect of an offence of intentional homicide, rape or any other serious sexual offence, any other violent offence such as robbery, the offences of trafficking in human beings or in drugs, or a burglary offence; or

b.

have improperly claimed social insurance or social assistance benefits.3

4 The legislature shall define the offences covered by paragraph 3 in more detail. It may add additional offences.4

5 Foreign nationals who lose their right of residence and all other legal rights to remain in Switzerland in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 must be deported from Switzerland by the competent authority and must be made subject to a ban on entry of from 5-15 years. In the event of reoffending, the ban on entry is for 20 years.5

6 Any person who fails to comply with the ban on entry or otherwise enters Switzerland illegally commits an offence. The legislature shall issue the relevant provisions.6

1 Switzerland shall control the immigration of foreign nationals autonomously.

2 The number of residence permits for foreign nationals in Switzerland shall be restricted by annual quantitative limits and quotas. The quantitative limits apply to all permits issued under legislation on foreign nationals, including those related to asylum matters. The right to permanent residence, family reunification and social benefits may be restricted.

3 The annual quantitative limits and quotas for foreign nationals in gainful employment must be determined according to Switzerland's general economic interests, while giving priority to Swiss citizens; the limits and quotas must include cross-border commuters. The decisive criteria for granting residence permits are primarily a application from an employer, ability to integrate, and adequate, independent means of subsistence.

4 No international agreements may be concluded that breach this Article.

1 The Confederation is responsible for legislation in the field of criminal law and the law of criminal procedure.

2 The Cantons are responsible for the organisation of the courts, the administration of justice in criminal cases as well as for the execution of penalties and measures, unless the law provides otherwise.

3 The Confederation may issue regulations on the execution of penalties and measures. It may grant subsidies to the Cantons for:

a.

the construction of penal institutions;

b.

improvements in the execution of penalties and measures;

c.

institutions that conduct educative measures for the benefit of children, adolescents and young adults.2

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 12 March 2000, in force since 1 April 2003 (Federal Council Decree of 8 Oct. 1999, Federal Council Decree of 17 May 2000, Federal Council Decree of 24 Sept. 2002; AS 2002 3148; BBl 1997 I 1, 1999 8633, 2000 2990, 2001 4202).2 Adopted by the popular vote on 28 Nov 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2008 (Federal Council Decree of 3 Oct 2003, Federal Council Decree of 26 Jan. 2005, Federal Council Decree of 7 Nov. 2007; AS 2007 5765; BBl 2002 2291, 2003 6591, 2005 951).

1 If a sex offender or violent offender is regarded in the reports required for sentencing as being extremely dangerous and his or her condition assessed as untreatable, he or she must be incarcerated until the end of his or her life due to the high risk of reoffending. Early release and release on temporary licence are not permitted.

2 Only if new scientific findings prove that the offender can be cured and thus no longer represents a danger to the public can new reports be drawn up. If the offender is released on the basis of these new reports, the authorities granting his or her release must accept liability if he reoffends.

3 All reports assessing sex offenders or violent offenders must be drawn up by at least two experienced specialists who are independent of each other. The reports must take account of all the principles that are important for the assessment.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 8 February 2004 (Federal Decree of 20 June 2003, Federal Council Decree of 21 April 2004; AS 2004 2341; BBl 2000 3336, 2001 3433, 2003 4434, 2004 2199).

Persons convicted of harming the sexual integrity of a child or of a dependent person shall permanently lose the right to carry on a profession or voluntary activity involving minors or dependent persons.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 18 May 2014, in force since 18 May 2014 (Federal Council Decree of 20 Feb. 2014; AS 2014 2771; BBl 2009 7021, 2011 4435, 2012 8819, 2014 6349 1779).

The Confederation and the Cantons shall ensure that persons who have suffered harm to their physical, mental or sexual integrity as the result of a criminal act receive support and are adequately compensated if they experience financial difficulties as a result of that criminal act.

1 The Confederation shall maintain its income and expenditure in balance over time.

2 The ceiling for total expenditure that is to be approved in the budget is based on the expected income after taking account of the economic situation.

3 Exceptional financial requirements may justify an appropriate increase in the ceiling in terms of paragraph 2. The Federal Assembly shall decide on any increase in accordance with Article 159 paragraph 3 letter c.

4 If the total expenditure in the federal accounts exceeds the ceiling in terms of paragraphs 2 or 3, compensation for this additional expenditure must be made in subsequent years.

2 The Confederation, in fixing the taxation rates, shall take account of the burden of direct taxation imposed by the Cantons and communes.

3 In relation to the tax on the income of private individuals, regular revisions shall be made to compensate for the consequences of an increased tax burden due to inflation.

4 The tax is assessed and collected by the Cantons. A minimum of 17 per cent of the gross revenue from taxation is allocated to the Cantons. This share may be reduced to 15 per cent if the consequences of financial equalisation so require.4.

1 The Confederation shall set out principles on the harmonisation of the direct taxes imposed by the Confederation, the Cantons and the communes; it shall take account of the efforts towards harmonisation made by the Cantons.

2 Harmonisation shall extend to tax liability, the object of the tax and the tax period, procedural law and the law relating to tax offences. Matters excluded from harmonisation shall include in particular tax scales, tax rates and tax allowances.

1 The Confederation may levy value added tax on the supply of goods, on services, including goods and services for personal use, and on imports, at a standard rate of a maximum of 6.5 per cent and at a reduced rate of at least 2.0 per cent.

2 The law may provide for the taxation of accommodation services at a rate between the reduced rate and the standard rate.2

3 If, due to demographic changes, the financing of the Old-Age, Survivors' and Invalidity Insurance is no longer guaranteed, the standard rate may be increased by federal act by a maximum of 1 percentage point and the reduced rate by a maximum of 0.3 of a percentage point.3

3bis In order to finance railway infrastructure, the rates shall be increased by 0.1 of a percentage point.4

4 5 per cent of the non-earmarked revenues shall be used to reduce the health insurance premiums of persons on low incomes, unless an alternative method of assisting such persons is provided for by law.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 28 Nov. 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (Federal Decree of 19 March 2004, Federal Council Decree of 26 Jan. 2005, Federal Council Decree of 2 Feb. 2006; AS 2006 1057; BBl 2003 1531, 2004 1363, 2005 951).* With transitional provision2 The legislature has made use of this power; see Art. 25 para. 4 of the Value Added Tax Act of 12 June 2009 (SR 641.20), under which the rate of value added tax amounts to 3.8% (special rate for accommodation services), valid from 1 Jan. 2011 until 31 Dec. 2017.3 The legislature has made use of this power; see Art. 25 para. 1 and 2 of the Value Added Tax Act of 12 June 2009 (SR 641.20) under which the rates of value added tax amounts to 8 % (standard rate) and 2.5% (reduced rate) valid from 1 Jan. 2011 until 31 Dec. 2017.4 Adopted by the popular vote on 9 Feb. 2014, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (Federal Decree of 20 June 2013, Federal Council Decree of 13 May 2014, Federal Council Decree of 2 June 2014, Federal Council Decree of 6 June 2014; AS 2015 645; BBl 20106637, 2012 1577, 2013 4725 6518, 2014 4113 4117).

a surcharge on the consumption tax on motor fuels with the exception of aviation fuels;

b.

a charge that applies when motor vehicles are powered by means other than motor fuels in accordance with paragraph 1 letter e.2

2bis If the monies are insufficient to carry out the tasks provided for under Article 87b in connection with air traffic, the Confederation shall levy a surcharge on the consumption tax on aviation fuels.3

3 The Cantons shall receive ten per cent of the net proceeds from the taxation of distilled spirits. These funds must be used to fight the causes and effects of substance addiction.

1 The Confederation may levy a stamp duty on securities, on receipts for insurance premiums and on other commercial deeds; deeds relating to property and mortgage transactions are exempt from stamp duty.

2 The Confederation may levy a withholding tax on income from moveable capital assets, on lottery winnings and on insurance benefits. 10 per cent of the tax revenue shall be allocated to the Cantons.1

Anything that is declared by federal legislation to be subject to, or exempt from value added tax, special consumption taxes, stamp duty or withholding tax may not be made liable to similar taxes by the Cantons or communes.

1 The Confederation shall issue regulations on the equitable equalisation of financial resources and burdens between the Confederation and the Cantons as well as among the Cantons.

2 The equalisation of financial resources and burdens is intended in particular to:

a.

reduce the differences in financial capacity among the Cantons;

b.

guarantee the Cantons a minimum level of financial resources;

c.

compensate for excessive financial burdens on individual Cantons due to geo-topographical or socio-demographic factors;

d.

encourage intercantonal cooperation on burden equalisation;

e.

maintain the tax competitiveness of the Cantons by national and international comparison.

3 The funds for the equalisation of financial resources shall be provided by those Cantons with a higher level of resources and by the Confederation. The payments made by those Cantons with a higher level of resources shall amount to a minimum of two thirds and a maximum of 80 per cent of the payments made by the Confederation.

1 All Swiss citizens over the age of eighteen, unless they lack legal capacity due to mental illness or mental incapacity, have political rights in federal matters. All citizens have the same political rights and duties.

2 They may participate in elections to the National Council and in federal popular votes, and launch or sign popular initiatives and requests for referendums in federal matters.

1 Any 100,000 persons eligible to vote may within 18 months of the official publication of their initiative request a partial revision of the Federal Constitution.

2 A popular initiative for the partial revision of the Federal Constitution may take the form of a general proposal or of a specific draft of the provisions proposed.

3 If the initiative fails to comply with the requirements of consistency of form, and of subject matter, or if it infringes mandatory provisions of international law, the Federal Assembly shall declare it to be invalid in whole or in part.

4 If the Federal Assembly is in agreement with an initiative in the form of a general proposal, it shall draft the partial revision on the basis of the initiative and submit it to the vote of the People and the Cantons. If the Federal Assembly rejects the initiative, it shall submit it to a vote of the People; the People shall decide whether the initiative should be adopted. If they vote in favour, the Federal Assembly shall draft the corresponding bill.

5 An initiative in the form of a specific draft shall be submitted to the vote of the People and the Cantons. The Federal Assembly shall recommend whether the initiative should be adopted or rejected. It may submit a counter-proposal to the initiative.

1 Adopted by the popular vote on 9 Feb. 2003 (Federal Decree of 4 Oct. 2002, Federal Council Decree of 25 March 2003; AS 2003 1949; BBl 2001 4803 6080, 2002 6485, 2003 3111). Repealed in the Popular Vote on 27 Sept. 2009, with effect from 27 Sept. 2009 (Federal Decree of 19 Dec. 2008, Federal Council Decree of 1 Dec. 2009; AS 2009 6409; BBl 2008 2891 2907, 2009 13 8719). This article in its version in the Federal Decree of 4 Oct. 2002 never came into force.

1 The People vote on the initiative and the counter-proposal at the same time.2

2 The People may vote in favour of both proposals. In response to the third question, they may indicate the proposal that they prefer if both are accepted.

3 If in response to the third question one proposal to amend the Constitution receives more votes from the People and the other more votes from the Cantons, the proposal that comes into force is that which achieves the higher sum if the percentage of votes of the People and the percentage of votes of the Cantons in the third question are added together.

1 The following must be put to the vote of the People and the Cantons:

a.

amendments to the Federal Constitution;

b.

accession to organisations for collective security or to supranational communities;

c.

emergency federal acts that are not based on a provision of the Constitution and whose term of validity exceeds one year; such federal acts must be put to the vote within one year of being passed by the Federal Assembly.

1 If the decision on ratification of an international treaty is subject to a mandatory referendum, the Federal Assembly may incorporate in the decision on ratification the amendments to the Constitution that provide for the implementation of the treaty.

2 If the decision on ratification of an international treaty is subject to an optional referendum, the Federal Assembly may incorporate in the decision on ratification the amendments to the law that provide for the implementation of the treaty.

The members of the National Council and of the Federal Council as well as the Federal Chancellor are elected for a term of office of four years. Judges of the Federal Supreme Court have a term of office of six years.

The Cantons, the political parties and interested groups shall be invited to express their views when preparing important legislation or other projects of substantial impact as well as in relation to significant international treaties.

3 The law may delegate specific powers, which may not be legislative in their nature, to committees.

4 In order to fulfil their duties, the committees have the right to information and to inspect documents and the power to conduct investigations. The extent of such rights and powers is governed by the law.

1 Federal acts whose coming into force cannot be delayed (emergency federal acts) may be declared urgent by an absolute majority of the members of each of the two Councils and be brought into force immediately. Such acts must be of limited duration.

2 If a referendum is requested on an emergency federal act, the act must be repealed one year after being passed by the Federal Assembly if it has not in the meantime been approved by the People.

3 An emergency federal act that does not have the Constitution as its basis must be repealed one year after being passed by the Federal Assembly if it has not in the meantime been approved by the People and the Cantons. Any such act must be of limited duration.

4 An emergency federal act that is not approved in a popular vote may not be renewed.

1 The Federal Assembly elects the members of the Federal Council, the Federal Chancellor, the judges of the Federal Supreme Court and, in times of war, the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces ("the General").

2 The law may authorise the Federal Assembly to make or confirm other appointments.

The Federal Assembly may assign functions to the Federal Council. The details are regulated by law, and in particular the means by which the Federal Assembly may intervene in matters that fall within the remit of the Federal Council.

3 It may in direct application of this Article issue ordinances and rulings in order to counter existing or imminent threats of serious disruption to public order or internal or external security. Such ordinances must be limited in duration.

4 In cases of emergency, it may mobilise the armed forces. Where it mobilises more than 4,000 members of the armed forces for active service or where the deployment of such troops is expected to last for more than three weeks, the Federal Assembly must be convened without delay.

1 The Confederation shall appoint a criminal court, which hears at first instance criminal cases that by law come under federal jurisdiction. The law may confer further powers on the Federal Criminal Court.

2 The Confederation shall appoint judicial authorities to hear public law disputes that come under the jurisdiction of the Federal Administration.

The transfer of freight transit traffic from road to rail must be completed ten years after the adoption of the popular initiative for the protection of the alpine regions from transit traffic.

2.Transitional provision to Art. 85 (Flat-rate heavy vehicle charge)

1 The Confederation shall levy an annual charge for the use of roads that are open to general traffic on domestic and foreign motor vehicles and trailers that have a maximum permissible weight of over 3.5 tonnes.

3 The rates of the charge may be adjusted by federal act insofar as this is justified by the cost of road transport.

4 In addition, the Federal Council may adjust by ordinance the tariff category above 12 t in accordance with paragraph 2 to comply with any amendments to the weight categories contained in the Road Traffic Act of 19 December 19582.

5 For vehicles that are not on the road in Switzerland for the entire year, the Federal Council shall determine suitably graduated rates of the charge; it shall take account of the costs of collecting the charge.

6 The Federal Council shall regulate the implementation of the charge. It may determine rates in terms of paragraph 2 for special categories of vehicle, exempt certain vehicles from the charge and issue special regulations, in particular for journeys in border areas. Such regulations must not result in vehicles registered abroad being treated more favourably than Swiss vehicles. The Federal Council may provide for fines in respect of contraventions. The Cantons shall collect the charge on vehicles registered in Switzerland.

8 This provision applies until the Heavy Vehicle Charge Act of 19 December 19973 comes into force.

3.Transitional provisions to Art. 86 (Use of charges for tasks and costs in connection with road transport), Art. 87 (Railways and other carriers) and Art. 87a (Railway infrastructure)4

1 The major rail projects include the New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA), RAIL 2000, the connection of Eastern and Western Switzerland to the European High Speed Rail Network as well as the improvement of noise protection along railway lines through active and passive measures.

2 Until the interest payments and repayments on the advances made to the fund in accordance with Article 87a paragraph 2 have been made in full, the monies in accordance with Article 86 paragraph 2 letter e shall be allocated to the special finance programme for road transport in accordance with Article 86 paragraph 4 instead of the fund in accordance with Article 86 paragraph 2.5

2bis In order to finance railway infrastructure and thereafter to finance the interest and repayments on the advances made to the fund in accordance with Article 87a paragraph 2, the Federal Council may use monies in accordance with paragraph 2 until 31 December 2018. The monies shall be calculated in accordance with Article 86 paragraph 2 letter e.6

2ter The percentage in accordance with Article 86 paragraph 2 letter f applies from two years after this provision comes into force. Prior to that, it shall be 5 per cent.7

3 The financing of the major rail projects in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be carried out through the fund under Article 87a paragraph 2.8

4 The four major rail projects in terms of paragraph 1 shall be adopted by federal acts. Proof must be established of the necessity and readiness for implementation For each major project in its entirety. In the case of the NRLA project, each of the construction phases shall form the subject matter of a federal act. The Federal Assembly shall approve the required financing through guarantee credits. The Federal Council shall approve the construction phases and determine the time schedule.

5 This provision applies until the conclusion of the construction work and of the financing (through repayment of the advances) of the major rail projects mentioned in paragraph 1.

4.Transitional provision to Art. 90 (Nuclear energy)

Until 23 September 2000, no general, construction, start-up or operating licences for new facilities for the production of nuclear energy may be granted.

5.Transitional provision to Art. 95 (Private economic activity)

Until the enactment of federal legislation, the Cantons must mutually recognise their education or training qualifications.

6.Transitional provision to Art. 102 (National economic supply)

1 The Confederation shall guarantee the national supply of bread grain and baking flour.

2 This transitional provision remains in force until 31 December 2003 at the latest.

7.Transitional provision to Art. 103 (Structural policy)

For no more than ten years from the date on which the Constitution comes into force, the Cantons may retain existing regulations that make the opening of new businesses dependent on establishing a need, in order to guarantee the existence of important parts of a specific branch of the hotel and restaurant industry.

Insured persons who belong to the generation working at the time of the introduction of the occupational pension scheme and therefore do not contribute for the full period shall receive the statutory minimum benefits, according to their income, within 10 to 20 years of the Act coming into force.

2 In order to guarantee the funding of invalidity insurance, the Federal Council shall raise the value added tax rates from 1 January 2011 until 31 December 2017 as follows: …

3 The revenue from the increase in rates in accordance with paragraph 2 will be allocated in full to the Compensation Fund for Invalidity Insurance.16

4 In order to secure the financing of railway infrastructure, the Federal Council shall raise the tax rates under Article 25 of the Value Added Tax Act of 12 June 200917 from 1 January 2018 by 0.1 of a percentage point, in the event of an extension of the time limit under paragraph 1 until 31 December 2030 at the latest.18

5 The entire revenue from the increase under paragraph 4 shall be allocated to the fund under Article 87a.19

15.Transitional provision to Art. 131 (Beer tax)

Until a federal act20 comes into force, the beer tax shall be levied in accordance with the current law.

2 The Federal Council shall be authorised to submit an application to the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) requesting Switzerland's accession to the organisation, together with a declaration on the acceptance of the obligations contained in the UN Charter2.

From the date on which the Federal Decree of 3 October 20034 on the New System of Financial Equalisation and the Allocation of Tasks between the Confederation and Cantons comes into force, the Cantons shall, until they have their own approved special-needs school strategies, but for a minimum of three years, assume responsibility for the current payments made by the Invalidity Insurance for special needs education (including the special needs pre-school education in accordance with Art. 19 of the Federal Act of 19 June 19595 on Invalidity Insurance).

The Cantons shall construct the national highways listed in the Federal Decree of 21 June 19607 on the National Highway Network (in its version valid on the commencement of the Federal Decree of 3 Oct. 20038 on the New System of Financial Equalisation and the Allocation of Tasks between the Confederation and Cantons) in accordance with the regulations of and subject to the oversight of the Confederation. The Confederation and Cantons shall share the costs. The share of the costs borne by the individual Cantons shall be determined by the burden imposed on them by the national highways, their interest in these highways, and their financial capacity.

4.9 Transitional provision to Art. 112b (Promoting the rehabilitation of people eligible for invalidity benefits)

From the date on which the Federal Decree of 3 October 200310 on the New System of Financial Equalisation and the Allocation of Tasks between the Confederation and Cantons comes into force, the Cantons shall assume responsibility for the current payments made by the Invalidity Insurance to institutions, workshops and residential homes until they have an approved strategy on people with disabilities that also regulates the granting of cantonal contributions towards the construction and running of institutions that accept residents from outside the relevant canton, but for a minimum of three years.

5.11 Transitional provision to Art. 112c (Aid for elderly people and people with disabilities)

The current payments under Article 101bis of the Federal Act of 20 December 194612 on the Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance for assistance and care in the home for elderly people and people with disabilities shall continue to be paid by the Cantons until cantonal regulations on the financing of assistance and care in the home come into force.

Swiss agriculture shall remain free of gene technology for a period of five years following the adoption of this constitutional provision. In particular, the following may neither be imported nor placed on the market:

a.

genetically modified plants that are capable of propagation, parts of plants and seeds that are intended for agricultural, horticultural or forestry use in the environment;

b.

genetically modified animals that are intended for the production of foodstuffs and other agricultural products.

The legislature must define and add to the offences covered by Article 121 paragraph 3 and issue the criminal provisions relating to illegal entry in accordance with Article 121 paragraph 6 within five years of the adoption of Article 121 paragraphs 3-6 by the People and the Cantons.

1 If the relevant legislation does not come into force within two years of the adoption of Article 75b, the Federal Council shall issue the required implementing provisions on construction, sale and recording in the land register by ordinance.

2 Building permits for second homes granted between 1 January of the year following the adoption of Article 75b and the date on which the implementing provisions come into force shall be null and void.

Until the statutory provisions come into force, the Federal Council shall issue the required implementing provisions within one year of the adoption of Article 95 paragraph 3 by the People and the Cantons.

1 International agreements that contradict Article 121a must be renegotiated and amended within three years of its adoption by the People and the Cantons.

2 If the implementing legislation for Article 121a has not come into force within three years of its adoption by the People and the Cantons, the Federal Council shall issue temporary implementing provisions in the form of an ordinance.

1 For the use of first and second class national highways, the Confederation shall levy an annual charge of 40 francs on each Swiss and foreign motor vehicle and trailer with a total weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. …

2 … The Federal Council may exempt specific vehicles from the charge and issue special regulations, in particular for journeys made in border areas. Such regulations must not result in vehicles registered abroad being treated more favourably than Swiss vehicles. The Federal Council may impose fines for contraventions of the regulations. The Cantons shall collect the charge for vehicles registered in Switzerland and monitor compliance of all vehicles with the regulations.

4 … The charge may be extended by federal act to further categories of vehicle that are not liable to pay the heavy vehicle charge.

1 If the Federal Assembly decides to submit a counter-proposal, voters shall be asked three questions on the same ballot paper. Each voter has the unrestricted right to state:

1.

whether he or she prefers the popular initiative to the existing law;

2.

whether he or she prefers the counter-proposal to the existing law;

3.

which of the two proposals should come into force in the event that the People and the Cantons prefer both proposals to the existing law.

2 The absolute majority shall be calculated separately for each question. Unanswered questions shall not be taken into consideration.

3 If both the popular initiative and the counter-proposal are accepted, the result of the third question shall be decisive. The proposal that receives the greater number of votes from the People and from the Cantons on this question shall come into force. …

III

The Federal Assembly shall adapt amendments to the Federal Constitution of 29 May 1874 to the new Federal Constitution as regards their form. The decree issued to this effect shall not be subject to a referendum.

IV

1 This Decree must be submitted to a vote of the People and the Cantons.